11.   ATLANTA - Video poker was dealt a losing hand by the Georgia Supreme Court on Tuesday.

12.   Bardanac, a Caribbean company, this week launched www.kennyrogerscasino.com, which offers blackjack, video poker and other games.

13.   Barnes has been silent on whether video poker will be taken up during the session, which begins Wednesday.

14.   Beasley, a telegenic governor presiding over a growing economy, was also haunted by video poker.

15.   Because cash payouts were illegal, video poker operators awarded prizes or gift certificates that law enforcement officials pointed out were often exchanged for money.

16.   Beasley also has mounted a high-profile campaign to ban video poker machines that have brought gambling to restaurants, truck stops and other locations in his state.

17.   A bipartisan grassroots campaign in South Carolina just eliminated its enormous video poker industry.

18.   All ships sail into international waters, where gambling is permitted, and offer slots, video poker, blackjack, craps and roulette.

19.   Allowing video poker and slot machines at restaurants and bars would require a change in state law.

20.   But attorneys for the video poker industry fought back by successfully arguing before an Atlanta judge that the description of the games could be applied to almost anything.